The mayor, who was joined by District Attorney Ken Thompson and Comptroller Scott Stringer, emphasized unity and tolerance as he addressed recent terror attacks in Istanbul, Bangladesh, Baghdad, and most recently, Medina.

“[Eid] is a time of joy, as I said. We also are saddened in these last weeks by senseless acts of violence around the world, even in the holy city of Medina,” said de Blasio. “And here, in New York City, we stand strong and united in peace together. We stand as a beacon to the world – that all people, all faiths together can live in harmony, and today is a great example of that.”

Zein Rimawi, AMAF vice-president, said the gesture meant a lot to Brooklyn’s Muslim American community, which is reeling from news of the attacks on their co-religionists abroad.

“It’s a good feeling that he came,” said Rimawi, who noted that the turn out at this year’s prayer was larger than usual. “These people who are behind the attacks in Turkey and Medina are not Muslims. They kill more Muslims than non-Muslims. Of course, we are scared.”

Eid al-Fitr, a three-day “breaking of the fast” festival marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, is generally commemorated with prayer, traditional sweets and gifts. The Bath Beach event, which typically draws thousands of worshipers, included two prayer services this year and games for children organized by the Al-Noor School.

Photo by Bensonhurst Bean

In his closing words, the mayor also touted his efforts to make New York City more tolerant and inclusive of Muslim Americans, from his administration’s recognition of Eid al-Adha (in September) and Eid al-Fitr as official New York City school holidays, to the termination of the NYPD’s aggressive mosque surveillance program.

“I want you to know, we stand with all of you, with all our Muslim brothers and sisters, in unity. We have taken the steps to make this one city,” de Blasio said in his closing words.

Yesterday afternoon, family and friends of one of victims — who is from Bay Ridge — marched peacefully with AMAF from its 7111 5th Avenue headquarters to Senator Marty Golden’s office to raise awareness about crimes perpetuated against Muslims. The senator, whose staff had been made aware of the march, was a no-show, according to Rimawi.

“He who supported Trump, doesn’t care about us,” said Rimawi. “[Golden] has the right to his opinion — this is America — but if people are smart, they won’t vote for someone who doesn’t represent them.”

Rimawi said he worries for his six daughters who wear hijabs. “I don’t want my girls to be targeted for any reason,” he said.

Update [11pm]: New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer summed up the sentiment at today’s event in an emailed statement.

“Eid ul-Fitr is an opportunity for all of us to reflect upon the values that unite City residents of all faiths: community, togetherness, and service to those in need. It was an honor to join so many leaders from our City’s Muslim-American community today to wish all New Yorkers Eid Mubarak,” Stringer said.

They look so intelligent with their bottoms up in the air! Wish I had a pea shooter!

Lilly

Real intelligent! Put your bottoms up in the air!

Jake

Love your comment!!! They are letting loose their gases from their asses.

Sean F

What is this problem people have with Muslim buttocks today? They are doing what nearly every religion on earth does. Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus all have similar methods of humbling themselves before their god. There is nothing shameful or humorous in it.

Jake

I think these people are praying to the ostrich. That’s why they are bunch of animals. They think like uncivilized animals

Sean F

So they think exactly like people who post comments like yours. Nice to know you are in good company.